More Ruins Near Cusco: Tipon, Piquillacta and Rumicolca

Tipon - Irrigation system / fountains still functioning

Tipon

Rumors have it that Tipon was built for the grandfather of Pachacuteq. Pachacuteq was the Inkan warrior that transformed the Inkan region to an empire. Tipon is consistent with some of the other archeological sites I have seen. Like most of the rest of the sites this one looks to have been built for dual purposes of defense and agriculture.

It has a number of terraces that would serve the dual purpose of agriculture and slowing an incoming invader. Above the terraces sit dwellings that would be a good location to attack an invading force. Finally, far above were points where lookouts could see an incoming force from a very long distance.

One thing about Tipon that was very interesting was that the irrigation system ran from very high down through the dwellings and on down to the terraces; serving as both a source for water to the residents as well as to the crops.

Another interesting thing is the mixed use of high quality and good quality stone work. This can be seen in the fountain picture above. You can see in the fountain itself and on the corners of the terraces very good quality work. The remainder is good, but not the same high quality work.

The terraces with irrigation

Looking down on the initial structures that would have been the first line of defense above the terraces.

Structures above the defense structures; This most likely was the residence of the grandfather of Pachacuteq

This residence had running water. Still does.

Piquillacta 

Piquillacta covers a wide area

Piquillacta lies just up the road from Tipon. It was most likely built in the years of 600 to 700 AD by the Huari people; about 800 years prior to the Inkas. These ruins were noticeably different than most of the ruins that I have seen in that the construction was adobe (earthen brick) and stone with adobe mortar. It is quite interesting that these adobe dwellings survive to this day given the fact that they are exposed to rain and wind. The most interesting part is the size; it was a small city. Additionally, although it had some defensive aspects, it was not nearly as defensive as many of the other sites I have seen.

Adobe construction with stone and mortar caps

Stone walls define city streets

Rumicolca 

Rumicolca - aquaduct and defensive wall

Rumicolca sits right next to Piquillacta and was most likely built at nearly the same time. Most likely, Rumicolca served as a primary defensive structure for Piquillacta as it served as block for the entire valley. Additionally, Rumicolca also served as an aqueduct as there is a canal for moving water across the top. Finally, the Inkas most likely reinforced the structure as the end cap stones were of much higher quality construction.

End cap stones of most likely Inka constructions and a view of the aqueduct at the top.